PLP and Mining Districts
PLP Update
January 2022 by Scott Harn
There has been some strong interest from miners in Oregon and Washington regarding the Public Lands for the People (PLP) reclamation dredging program that began in California in early 2021. A few Oregon miners have stepped forward to assist PLP in the effort to complete the research and documentation necessary.
The group that was assisting PLP and the Mining Journal to arrange meetings with influential agency heads and members of Congress is considering restarting in-person meetings in Washington, DC in late March or early April 2022.
We anticipate there will be a change in party leadership in possibly both the House and Senate following the November 2022 mid-term elections, and the leading polls indicate this is a very strong possibility. It would be very beneficial to begin meetings with members of Congress soon to reestablish the relationships we had prior to the Covid restrictions.
We were quite close to getting some major changes pushed through Congress to help miners of all shapes and sizes, with particular emphasis on the small, independent miner. Then along came a change in administration in the White House and a change in leadership in Congress. We are very anxious to get back there and finish what we started.
PLP Update
PLP is also looking toward meeting with the incoming chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and it appears it will be Senator Barrasso (R-Wyoming).
PLP Update
PLP has developed a plan to get dredgers back in the water by embracing the fact that suction gold dredgers can provide a valuable service by reclaiming waterways.
PLP Update
The miner was drywashing using a small, gas-powered drywasher for a short period of time—maybe an hour—when he was asked by a ranger to see his permit, which is not required to prospect at this small of a scale.
The Power of Mining Districts
...Most importantly, the mining districts can open the federal land to multiple-use by the public on principles of inclusion rather than the present-day exclusions...
PLP Update
While progress with Congress has been slow, the Trump administration has taken the lead to start making needed changes at the Department of Interior and US Department of Agriculture to support miners…
Ask The Experts: Should I take my claim access problems to the Desert Advisory Council?
Q: The nearest access to the claim is a half mile walk, which is tough for a lode claim.
PLP Update
We’ve heard from miners in Arizona about federal agencies closing off historic roads that provide access for miners, and we need your input.
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